Synopses & Reviews
It all starts with good horse sense. Anyone who understands how horses think, knows the basics of good horsemanship, and is aware of general safety practices when working around horses already has a leg up on what is necessary to train a horse.
STOREY'S GUIDE TO TRAINING HORSES is a comprehensive volume that builds on that foundation and takes the trainer step-by-step through the training process, from handling the foal to ground work to mounted lessons and trailer training. While most training books focus on riding, this guide takes a broad view, presenting different methods and alternatives so you can tailor your approach to your particular horse.
Author, rancher, and horse trainer Heather Smith Thomas explains how to avoid common mistakes and how to ensure mutual respect and a productive working relationship with your horse. She begins with training psychology - including how to think like a horse and the origins of the flight or fight response. Then she covers handling and positive, progressive training techniques for each stage of the horse's development. And since each horse is different, Thomas offers a variety of training methods designed to suit different temperaments. Furthermore, she emphasizes that a smart trainer puts the horse first, letting the horse learn at its own pace rather than trying to force the animal to an unrealistic training timetable.
Complete with a glossary of equine terms and a list of resources for additional information on horse training - including training clinics - this is an authoritative reference for trainers of all levels.
Synopsis
Safely and successfully train your own horse. Stressing the importance of understanding equine behavior, Storey's Guide to Training Horses provides a series of progressive exercises that can easily be adjusted to suit your horse's personality. Whether you're raising an animal for farm work, competition, or show, you'll learn everything you need to develop a well-trained and happy horse.
Synopsis
Every horse is different. That's why Heather Smith Thomas tailors her training style to the temperament of each individual horse. at every stage of its development. Covering everything from basic safety to retraining a horse that has acquired bad habits, this is an essential handbook for all horseowners.Storey's Guide to Training Horses explains how to train a horse for: EnglishWesternTrail RidingJumpingDressageDriving
Synopsis
A well-trained horse is a pleasure to ride, confident and secure in what he has learned and eager to work with his handler. Providing a horse with a solid foundation for lifelong learning one built on positive reinforcement and focused, progressive practice sessions is one of the best investments an owner can make in her horse.
In this revised and updated edition of her best-selling book, Heather Smith Thomas helps every trainer set her horse on the proper path with training lessons that are readily adjusted to each horses unique personality. Her techniques and methods are useful for starting any horse children's ponies, Western trail-riding horses, English riding or jumping horses, working farm and ranch horses, and horses intended for showing or high-level competition. Frustrated owners will also find an entire chapter on retraining an animal that has acquired bad habits.
Storey's Guide to Training Horses includes all the lessons that readers need to develop a well-trained horse from ground work to galloping and from choosing a bit to trailer training. This is the handbook that owners and riders will rely on for answers to every training question.
About the Author
Heather Smith Thomas raises cattle and horses on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho. She is the author of 10 books and thousands of articles on animal health care. Her books include Essential Guide to Calving, Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle, and Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle.